Can Social Media Impact My Workers’ Compensation Claim?

In the event you are injured while on the clock, you may not think twice before posting a status update. However, before you hit upload, it’s important to understand that your social media presence can have a considerable impact on the outcome of your claim. As such, the following blog explores what you should know about these circumstances, including the steps you can take to protect yourself and your claim. In addition, you’ll learn why working with an Illinois workers’ compensation attorney is in your best interest to help you protect your rights.

Why Should I Avoid Social Media During My Workers’ Compensation Claim?

Though social media is a great way to stay connected with your loved ones, it’s important to understand that anything you say or post online can be used against you, as it is considered evidence like a text message or letter. Unfortunately, it’s not uncommon for your employer or their workers’ compensation insurer to surveil you as a means of ensuring your injury is legitimate. With the rise of social media, this is one of the most common ways of detecting fraudulent claims.

You should still refrain from posting anything, even things that are unrelated to your injury. This is because it can still be held against you. For example, if you post a photo with friends at the beach, the insurance company can claim your injuries aren’t severe if you can walk on sand or sit in a car for hours while driving. As such, the insurance company may accuse you of filing a fraudulent claim or misrepresenting the severity of your injuries.

How Can I Protect Myself and My Claim?

If you are filing a workers’ compensation claim, it’s imperative to take the necessary steps to protect yourself during this process. First and foremost, you should set your accounts to private to prevent the insurance company from easily accessing your profiles. While they can subpoena your information, restricting your profile is an important step to shielding yourself.

In addition, you should ask your friends and family not to post photos of you or comment on anything related to your injuries. Even if you aren’t the author of these posts, they can still be used against you by the insurance company to undermine the integrity and value of your claim.

Finally, you should refrain from deleting any posts from your social media profiles, as this can be viewed as an attempt to conceal or destroy evidence. If you have posted anything that could potentially impact the outcome of your claim, you should contact your attorney as soon as possible for guidance on how to handle this situation.

As you can see, social media can have a considerable impact on your claim for compensation. That is why it is critical to refrain from using your accounts and connect with an experienced attorney with the Law Firm of Kevin A. Moore as soon as possible. Our team understands how difficult it can be to navigate these circumstances, so we will do everything in our power to help you in the fight for the best possible outcome. Contact us today to learn how we can assist you.